Much news coverage has been given lately to an amazing scientific breakthrough called neurofeedback that can treat many disorders related to brain function, including ADHD, depression, eating disorders, and several others. If you have been wondering if neurofeedback therapy can help you, there are a few factors you will want to weigh when considering this treatment.
First, it is a very safe procedure. Neurofeedback is completely non-invasive, and most people who have been through the therapy say that it is comfortable and even enjoyable. The therapist will attach electrodes to your scalp, which are held in place by a water-soluble gel. These electrodes conduct the current coming from your brain into an EEG device, which will transmit this information onto a computer screen. No input goes into the brain; the machine simply reads the electrical energy coming from your brain.
There are virtually no significant side effects to the procedure. Some patients have reported feeling a bit tired after a neurofeedback session. Body language expert and author of The Productivity Epiphany, Vincent Harris, reported that he was extremely tired after his first session, but that he was back to normal after taking a nap and a good night's sleep. If you find that you are tired after a session, let your therapist know, and they can easily adjust the settings to avoid much of the temporary fatigue.
Although sensitivity to the gel used to attach the leads is very uncommon, some people have experienced this mild side effect. If you have sensitive skin, let your therapist know, and he or she can do a small patch test before proceeding.